Science Minister Andrew Griffith MP spent the day exploring Oxfordshire’s Innovation ecosystem on 22nd February, during which he took part in a ground breaking ceremony for Nebula, a £40m research and development (R&D) scheme at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, ending the day at the re-launch of Oxford Innovation Society.
Nebula, a 80,000 sq ft development will combine high-tech, flexible R&D spaces with offices, in support of the UK’s ambition to become a scientific and tech superpower by 2030. Once complete, Nebula will offer stellar move-on space for science, technology and advanced engineering companies.
Attendees from the Milton Park team, construction firm Barnwood Limited and Park occupiers contributed lab and tech equipment to a ‘science superpower’ themed time capsule buried at the ceremony, including a copy of Oxfordshire’s Innovation Engine (2023) report.
Following the ground breaking ceremony, the Science Minister visited Milton Park occupiers for a tour around Evotec and Immunocore’s labs.
“Breaking ground at Milton Park’s Nebula development today is a tangible step in the future of scientific and technological advancement in the UK. This state-of-the-art facility will facilitate those achieving breakthroughs from engineering to life sciences, support skilled jobs here in Oxfordshire, and enhance the UK’s position as a science superpower.”- Science Minister Andrew Griffith
“It was a real privilege to welcome Minister Griffith to Milton Park to mark the official launch of our stellar Nebula project. Nebula will enable Milton Park’s occupiers to scale quickly when their innovation begins to skyrocket. We’re looking forward to providing more updates on the development’s progress over the coming year.”- Kathryn Andrew, Development Manager at MEPC Milton Park
Minister Griffith continued his visit to Oxfordshire with time at Harwell Campus and Oxford North, before joining University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Irene Tracey, Baroness Nicola Blackwood, Chair of Oxford University Innovations (OUI) and Matt Perkins, CEO of OUI, for the relaunch of Oxford Innovation Society. You can find more information about Oxford Innovation Society, membership and the programme of events for 2024 here.